Understanding Cooperative Education
Finding your first career after graduating from college is usually difficult. You may not find a position in your field right away—in fact, you may spend several years searching for just the right “in” for your industry of choice. To give you an advantage when finding a job, business professionals and career advisers strongly recommend participating in a student-professional work program to get a head start on gaining real-world experience.
If you’re interested in a hands-on, engaging program that supplements your classroom studies, then cooperative education may be just right for you. Programs offer an average of 18 months of industry experience by the time you graduate, which gives you a distinct advantage when beginning your professional career. Here, we’ve answered some common questions to help you learn more about cooperative education. With careful preparation, you can decide if your college or university’s program is the right choice for your future.
What Is Cooperative Education?
A cooperative education program, also known as a “Co-op,” is a progressive learning program that is formally recognized by your college or university. Educators work closely with co-op employers to fully integrate workplace experience with classroom study. Through a co-op program, you can complete your degree with relevant professional experience and an established network of contacts within your chosen industry. Positions are almost always paid, and they vary between 20 and 40 hours per week depending on your college or university’s specific program. It’s a real job in your chosen industry that can earn you real experience while you continue your education.
Why Is Cooperative Education Important?
Approximately 95% of co-op students have a job waiting for them when they graduate. Also, 60% of co-op students eventually accept permanent jobs from the same business they worked with during their time in co-op education.*
By participating in a co-op, you’re allowing an employer within your field of choice to get acquainted with you as a professional before making the decision to hire. This arrangement essentially gives you a foot in the door, allowing you to showcase your professional skills in hopes of eventually attracting a full-time offer. During your time in the program, you’ll sometimes be able to experience multiple workplace responsibilities while gaining a better understanding of your professional goals. And come graduation, you’ll already be well prepared to leap into your ideal career.
*See The New York Times article, “One Benefit of Co-op Education: Likelihood of a Job” (published online, March 23 2009).
Where Can I Find Cooperative Education Opportunities?
A co-op program is very closely tied to your overall higher education goals. In fact, by participating in a co-op, you’ll be turning the majority of your time in college into a unique working and learning experience. Unlike an internship, a co-op can mean a multi-year commitment to a company, one that already has a working relationship with your college or university. Because of this, it’s important to obtain your co-op application directly from your college or university’s co-op coordinator.
Want to know more about co-op opportunities at your college or university? Talk to your academic advisor, or visit your school’s department dedicated to student career advancement. If you don’t find an attractive co-op position, we’re here to help. You can still earn relevant work experience—and college credit—by participating in an internship at a business in your field.
